Creative (and less waste) Wrapping!

As a "zero waster" wanna-be, I like to be creative in my wrapping. I receive maps and colorful advertising in the mail over the course of the year, and I save these and use them for wrapping.  I add some of my own (humble) artwork to make it mine. The comics pages from the post also provide interesting wrapping fodder.  I also receive a plethora of address labels - more than I could use in a lifetime - every year.  (Could someone pleeeeaazzzzzzzzzze tell the non profits to move on from this wasteful habit?).  Anyhow and on the bright side, those little address labels make ideal wrapping tape. They're just the right size!  So happy upcycling wrapping!   ...and happy holidays to one and all!

Back to School - and Greening the Kitchen: some ideas

Stasher: A reusable alternative to ziplocks!

I get tired of all the ziplock bags that end up in my kitchen.  Then, I found these nifty stasher reusables:
https://www.thegrommet.com/silicone-storage-bag-solids. They come in various sizes..and in various colors/designs.  Reusable, dishwasher safe and waterproof!  Check them out!  Available on their website http://stasherbag.com/shop/ and on Amazon, too!

Have You Heard: CCAN is promoting a carbon fee for DC!

The Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) is promoting a carbon fee to promote clean energy and provide better air quality in DC. Under such a system, Companies that buy and sell fossil fuels in the District would pay a fee on each ton of heat-trapping pollution they cause. The price would rise steadily over time and would reflect the damage these emissions inflict on DC residents' health, air and water, and climate.  All of the money raised would be returned in equal amounts—through a quarterly “dividend”—to every D.C. resident thereby putting more money into the pockets of DC families and helping to ensure that low-income and middle class residents are benefit in the transition to clean energy. 

Which DC?
Photo Credit CPlume (above)
and Rolling Stone (below)

A far-fetched idea? Boulder, Colorado enacted a carbon fee in 2006 and the Canadian province of Alberta passed one last year. Carbon fee proposals are currently under consideration in statehouses from New York to Oregon.  Meanwhile, under the DC Government adopted Sustainable DC Plan, the District has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2032. A carbon fee might just get us there!  

For more information on CCAN's proposed carbon fee and to sign the petition in support of a carbon fee, check out the CCAN website!

What's the Best Thing you Can do to Help the Recycling Effort?

Skip the Bag; Set Your Recyclables Free!

What's the best thing you can do to help the recycling effort????  It's so easy..and it will save you money! Just STOP placing your recyclables in plastic bags!  Plastic bags wreak havoc on recycling machines. One single bag can get caught in the gears and shut down an entire processing plant for hours.  

The DC Department of Public Works asks that you place your recyclables directly into the bin - no plastic bags needed.  If you have bags to recycle, take them to your local grocery store and place them in their bins.

Set your recycling free!  Skip the bag!!

IT'S EARTH MONTH!!! So many things to do!

It's April, it's Spring, it's Earth Month and there are so many (many!) outdoor activities planned!  I've found that this website does a great job of tracking Earth Day activities and updating them regularly. 

But, there are so many great outdoor and green activities planned around DC that don't make this list.  Here are just a few:

There are some great classes offered at the National Arboretum.  I'm going to one this Saturday on tomato grafting!

• The good folks at Good Sense Farm are just one of the vendors supporting this year's Honey Groove Fest on April 9 beginning a 4pm. Apparently, there will be twerking!
• Community Forklift is offering several classes this month - on canning, herbs and masonry. Support these good folks!
• On April 16, Common Good City Farm will be having their kick off celebration.  There will be herb walks, seedlings for sale, kid's activities and a cookout!  Fun!
• And, don't forget the annual Kingman Island Bluegrass Festival to be held on April 30!  You'll need a ticket to get into this year's event (which is a good thing as it's become too crowded).  There are still tickets left.

And, while you're at it, why not do your own Earth Month and Earth Day adventure.  Rent a kayak or canoe at the KeyBridge Boathouse to explore the Potomac or at the Ball Park Boathouse to explore the Anacostia. Maybe you'll even see one of the bald eagles!!  Give up straws, reduce your plastic footprint, make some of your own food, ride your bike!  There are plenty of ways to celebrate this great month! 

Get outside and take it all in!